City of Pelham

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Official Statement

Pelham Police Department’s patch depicts the history of the City.  The center logo of the patch recognizes, 1.) the strong commitment of the Afro-American community with the Summerhill Baptist Church and Rosenwald School, (top left) 2) the military background of the City’s namesake, Confederate Officer Maj John Pelham, Artillery Officer (top right), and 3) J.L. Hand’s establishment of Pelham after his arrival by train to the area (bottom center).  In the previous version of the patch, the quadrant with the artillery piece did include a small pennant, which could be construed as a Confederate Flag.  Recognizing the potential perception of insensitivity, in September 2018, the police department changed the patch to its current version depicted in this statement.  The old patch was being phased out as uniforms were exchanged out.